(VOVworld) - A special exhibit, entitled “Vietnam Insight: Vietnam in the early 20^th century through photos of the French School of the Far East (EFEO) has opened in Hanoi. The exhibit consists of 60 photos depicting people’s everyday life, anniversaries, folk festivals, and religious rituals in the last century. Thu Duyen and Vinh Phong report:

The French School of the Far East archives approximately 7,000 photos of Vietnam. The photos on display are the most important artistically and historically. The photos come from scholars and photographers who used large or medium format cameras and old camera techniques. Some of the photos have been digitally restored. School Director Yves Goudineau said: “This exhibit gives us an insight into Vietnam in the early 20^th century. These photos were shot by Frenchmen who lived in Vietnam, spoke Vietnamese, and understood life in Vietnam very well. The oldest photos date back 100 years and the newest 85 years. Life in Vietnam these days is totally different.”

The exhibit is divided into three themes: archaeology, building museums and the Nam Giao Worship Ritual. The photos feature archaeological excavations and restorations, particularly of the Champa and Oc Eo culture. EFEO has built 8 museums including 5 in Vietnam, one of which is the Vietnam National Museum of History. The photos also feature the Nam Giao Worship Ritual, which was held in 1939 under the Nguyen dynasty. Leon Vandermeerch is a former Director of EFEO in Paris: “I was in charge of EFEO when we left Vietnam in 1957. I returned to Vietnam and was EFEO director when it was reopened in 1993. I also attended the ceremony to mark the 100^th anniversary of EFEO in Vietnam. This time I’m visiting Vietnam to see how the place where I worked and lived has changed. The people are hospitable and I’m happy.”

The event also introduces 50 artifacts which are preserved at the Vietnam National Museum of History. These are tools used by EFEO scientists and objects representing the Hoa Binh, Bac Son, Dong Son, Sa Huynh, Oc Eo and Champa culture. Nguyen Van Cuong, Director of the Vietnam National Museum of History: “The artifacts have been well preserved including some more than 100 years old. These include the 21-entry diary of Madame Madelene Colani, written with a pencil in 1909. Some photos captured a number of relic sites and cultural heritages of Vietnam that have vanished because of war and time. The exhibits remind us of the importance of restoration and preservation work.”

The exhibit has drawn a large number of domestic and foreign visitors. Nguyen Thanh Huyen of Hanoi said: “The exhibit helps me understand Vietnam’s culture in the early 20^th century. I hope there will be more exhibits like this so that young people can learn more about our culture.”

The exhibit, which will run until March, 2015, is part of activities celebrating 40 years of Vietnam-France diplomatic relations.